With Means Exposing Gas To Electromagnetic Wave Energy Or Corpuscular Radiation Patents (Class 422/121)
  • Patent number: 5788930
    Abstract: Apparatus for safely deodorizing and purifying an enclosure such as a building structure or vehicle using an ozone generator thereby minimizing the risk of biological exposure and pollutants which trigger environmental illness or allergic reactions. The ozone generator is controlled with an electronic logic circuitry and sensors which automatically regulates ozone exposures to peak at an antiseptic level thereby preventing inadvertent oxidation damage due to over exposure. One embodiment of the apparatus uses an ozone decomposing material to eliminate the harmful residual ozone concentration within the enclosure which is present immediately after an effective ozone treatment. Another embodiment allows for control of the apparatus from outside the enclosure being purified, allowing the operator to alter the outcome of the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Larry Daniel McMurray
  • Patent number: 5779605
    Abstract: A body-building machine includes a locating frame having an head portion integrally formed at a top thereof. The head portion defines an open chamber and a pair of opposed holes at two side walls thereof. A locating plate having an inclined end portion is inserted into the open chamber and is received in the locating frame. A pair of tubular lugs are formed at an intersection between the locating plate and the inclined end portion, aligning with the pair of opposed holes. A cladding plate having a plank with an angled portion is received in the open chamber. A tube is formed at an intersection between the plank and the angled end portion, aligning with the tubular lugs. A shaft extends through the opposed holes, the pair of tubular lugs and the tube to engage the locating plate with the plank and to form a short tension arm above shaft and a long tension arm below the shaft. An elastic return mechanism is disposed between the inclined end portion and the angled end portion in the short tension arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Ming-Tsang Tu
  • Patent number: 5766455
    Abstract: A fibrous matte web is used to support a semiconductor catalyst for use in the photopromoted catalyzed degradation of compounds in a fluid stream. The catalyst, which may be a transition metal oxide, is affixed to at least one side of the matte web, and preferably the downstream side thereof. In one embodiment, the matte web is comprised of a plurality of fibers of glass or other suitable material permitting fluid to pass therethrough, and the side or sides containing the catalyst are directly illuminated by a suitable light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Zentox Corporation
    Inventors: Elliot Berman, Anatoly Grayfer
  • Patent number: 5759239
    Abstract: An air purifier including a housing which has two air intake passages at two lateral sides and an induced-draft fan in an air accumulation chamber between the air intake passages, a plurality of air filters respectively mounted between the air accumulation chamber and the air intake passages, each air filter including two electrically insulative frames fastened together, and a plurality of metal wire gauze filters, and a high-voltage static electricity generator mounted inside the housing and connected to one metal wire gauze filter, the high-voltage static electricity generator providing high-voltage positive static electricity to one metal wire gauze filters, causing the other metal wire gauze filters to produce positive static electricity at one side and negative static electricity at an opposite side for catching dust from air passing through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Chi-Chin Yu
  • Patent number: 5759487
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for sterilizing and collecting indoor pollutants and a method thereof, and more particularly to an apparatus and a method for sterilizing indoor floating funguses by use of a large quantity of ozone generated from a negative electrode discharge for an instant. The apparatus and method also improve dust collecting efficiency by controlling the use of positive and negative high voltage discharges based on a detected pollution level of the indoor air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Choo Shick Jung
  • Patent number: 5709637
    Abstract: A portable exercise device is provided for specific strength training of the rotator cuff. A cylindrical spool member is provided with a handle across its diameter. A length of rubber exercise tubing is fixed tangentially to one point of the spool, with the other end attachable to a fixed point on an inertial resistance, allowing the user to grip the handle and rotate or move the spool against a continuous resistance for muscle development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventors: Gordon Gow, Edward Martin
  • Patent number: 5707324
    Abstract: A belt that can be worn around a person's waist and which has a back support along a portion of the belt. The belt contains loops positioned along the sides of the belt to attach various elastic resistance elements for exercising a person's arms and legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Ricky Sam Blake
  • Patent number: 5698164
    Abstract: The present invention provides a low-temperature plasma generator as an electric discharger which is used for discharging electricity in dry air, humid air or water, thereby removing an offensive odor, sterilizing bacteria, purifying water and so on. In the low-temperature plasma generator, rod electric conductors are inserted in through-holes formed in rod ceramics dielectric members and extending in longitudinal directions thereof, both ends of the electric conductors and the dielectric members are integrally joined and sealed by glass or an inorganic or organic adhesive, so as to constitute a plurality of electrodes, and the electrodes are connected to each other through the ceramics dielectric members in line-contacted relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignees: Takashi Kishioka, Okayama-Ken, Ohnit Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kishioka, Kazuya Nagata, Norihide Nishida, Masaki Nieda
  • Patent number: 5681533
    Abstract: An environment decontaminating system has an air cleaning and deodorizing function. It includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet for passage of air. A DC high voltage dust collector and a dust catching filter are provided adjacent the inlet. An ozone generator is positioned adjacent the filter. An odor/ozone turbulent mixing plate is positioned adjacent the ozone generator. A deodorizing catalyst is positioned adjacent the mixing plate. An acid gas absorbent, a suction scavaging fan, and an ozone concentration sensor are positioned adjacent an outlet of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Yushin Engineering
    Inventor: Tsutomu Hiromi
  • Patent number: 5656242
    Abstract: An air purifier has a perforated plate between UV lamps on the one hand and a porous air filter on the other. Biological material is trapped by the filter and eventually killed by the low dose of UV radiation which passes through the perforations in the plate. Filtered air passing through the plate is subjected to a high dose of UV radiation which sterilizes remaining biological material in the air. An electrostatic filter at the outlet may trap viruses which have been positively charged either by the action of the UV lamps or by positively charging the plate in order to strip electrons from the viruses. The UV lamps may be mercury lamps which are allowed to emit at both their ozone forming wavelength as well as the ozone breakdown wavelength. In such instance, a light filter surrounds the lamps which passes light only at the ozone breakdown wavelength. Air subjected to the unfiltered light is consequently subjected to ozone, which is a known biocide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: L2B Environmental Systems Inc.
    Inventors: William Morrow, Larry James McLean
  • Patent number: 5650126
    Abstract: A deodorizing lamp comprises a lamp unit and a titanium oxide film coating the glass surface of the lamp unit and optionally at least one metal selected from among iron, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, silver, copper, zinc, and manganese deposited on the surface of the titanium oxide film. A method for the production of a deodorizing lamp comprises the steps of applying a titania sol or an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution of titania gel to the glass surface of a lamp unit, drying the applied layer of titania sol or titania gel, firing the dried layer thereby forming a titanium oxide film on the glass surface, and optionally depositing at least one metal from among iron, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, silver, copper, zinc, and manganese on the titanium oxide film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & Industry
    Inventors: Hiroshi Taoda, Eiji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5648046
    Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting air in ventilation ducts, using a non-poisonous and substantially non-volatile disinfectant. The disinfectant is vaporized by micro-vaporizer, and ionization electrodes ionize the air and the disinfectant particles. An ozone sensor is located downstream of the ionization electrodes and emits a signal to a controller, which controls the voltage at the ionization electrode, and thus the production of ozone is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Rene Weibel
  • Patent number: 5635133
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for killing microorganisms in a particle laden fluid medium (11) are disclosed. This method has the steps of providing a germicidal radiation for killing microorganisms (30) and a reflectors (40) for transferring and orienting of the germicidal radiation for killing microorganisms (30); providing a secondary flow (12) of a substantially particles free fluid; the secondary flow (12) is running along or flowing across the surface of the reflectors (40) and establishing a substantially particle free barrier environment maintaining clean the reflectors (40); orienting an emission of the germicidal radiation in a parallel array of beams (32), and passing the fluid medium (11) along a path aligned with the parallel array of beams (32). The apparatus arranged so that the maximum efficiency of use of germicidal energy is achieved, energy consumption for sterilization will decrease, reliability and period between maintenance will increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Mark Glazman
  • Patent number: 5614151
    Abstract: A sanitizer uses a radiant energy source such as a microwave source to excite a gas contained in a bulb so that the gas produces ultraviolet radiation that can be used to sanitize substances exposed to the radiation. The ultraviolet radiation may also be used to generate ozone from oxygen in air or another gas containing oxygen and the ozone may be used by itself or in combination with ultraviolet exposure to sanitize substances. The bulb for generating ultraviolet radiation can be shaped so that substances to be sterilized are able to pass through the bulb, so that objects (even metal objects) are enclosed by the bulb and shielded from the radiant energy source, or so that the bulb is located at the end of a waveguide and can be positioned to sanitize inaccessible surfaces or substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: R Squared Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Thurston C. LeVay, James A. Rummel
  • Patent number: 5612001
    Abstract: A germicidal air cleansing apparatus having an internal ellipsoid chamber which contains UV lamps along the major axis of the ellipsoid. Each of the ends of the ellipsoid along its major axis has an opening to allow the entry and exit of air from the surrounding environment. The chamber is formed from an ultraviolet reflective material such as spun aluminum to allow uniform dispersion of the ultraviolet radiation throughout the chamber. Air is drawn into the chamber by fans at a speed to assure a high kill rate of microorganisms present in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Arthur L. Matschke
  • Patent number: 5603893
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the treatment of pollutants in gases which includes a plasma reactor chamber having sawtooth electrodes through which said gases flow, a generator of high voltage pulses of short width, high repetition rate and rapid rise time being coupled to said reactor with matched impedance, causing pulsed streamer discharges to be initiated at said chamber electrodes, increasing the effective plasma volume for more efficient pollutant reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Martin A. Gundersen, Victor Puchkarev, Iosef Yampolsky
  • Patent number: 5601786
    Abstract: A system and method for purifying air by employing a lamp that produces two separate energy intensity maxima. The lamp preferably emits ozone-producing radiation that falls within one wavelength interval, and germicidal radiation that falls within another wavelength interval. The air purifier of the invention includes a housing having an irradiation chamber, an air inlet for introducing air into the irradiation chamber, and a radiation source disposed within the irradiation chamber. The air purifier further includes an air outlet also formed in the housing for discharging the air to an external environment. The method includes providing a housing having an air inlet and an irradiation chamber, and providing a lamp within the chamber wherein the lamp has a relative maximum lamp output within two discrete wavelength intervals. The air is introduced into the irradiation chamber through the air inlet, and the air is irradiated within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Gerald C. Monagan
  • Patent number: 5599498
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously supplying air into an indoor space is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sunlight collector for activating carbon dioxide contained in the air by irradiating sunlights thereto, a reservoir for storing and discharging the activated carbon dioxide, the reservoir holding a reaction solution capable of exchange reaction with the carbon dioxide and a unit for reducing the carbon dioxide concentration in the air to a level non-hazardous to a human body. The apparatus may further include an infrared radiation lamp that can produce infrared rays to maintain the electric conductivity of the reaction solution within a preselected range at night or under bad weather conditions. A method is provided whereby atmospheric air passes through the reservior to undergo exchange reactions with the reaction solution. The method produces atmospheric air containing carbon dioxide molecules in a higher energy state, and directs the air toward the indoor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Byeung O. Oh
  • Patent number: 5589132
    Abstract: An air purifying and moistening device comprises a suction section having an air entrance opening, filter means at said opening and a motor-driven fan, an air purifying section including at least an ultraviolet radiation sterilization lamp, and a water ducting section within which the sterilized air is brought into contact with the water surface before it is discharged into the room. The water supply is a water trough or water tray with a large surface area of substantially stagnant water volume, which trough or tray is covered with a removable cover plate at a distance above the water surface. A casing forms a substantially closed air passage channel part of which is formed within said housing and another part of which is formed by the water surface, the lateral walls of the trough and the cover plate above said water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Gunther Zippel
  • Patent number: 5573730
    Abstract: An ozone generator is disclosed in which ozone production is controlled through corona voltage and airflow. The ozone from the generator converts perchloroethylene vapor in dry cleaning effluents into environmentally acceptable compounds. Ozone generation is controlled in response to the perchloroethylene vapor concentration in the mixture that is discharged from a mixing chamber in the apparatus. Other features include an inflatable retention chamber for allowing the ozone and perchloroethylene reaction to go to completion and improved means for cleaning the glass plates in the ozone generator by sliding the plates out of the generator structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Theodore J. Gillum
  • Patent number: 5558158
    Abstract: Interior surfaces of an air handler unit are coated with a dense, non-porous material, which discourages and prohibits growth of mold, spores, algae, bacteria, germs, viruses and other organisms and microorganisms and allergens. Air is drawn into the air handler unit through a return duct and one or more filters, through a heat exchanger and into a blower within the air handler unit. The blower draws and discharges air through highly reflective, interiorly coated chambers, where the air is bathed with direct and reflected ultraviolet light. The clean, conditioned air is then delivered through main distribution and supply ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Robert L. Elmore
  • Patent number: 5552111
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-metabolic functional material including a functional ferromagnetic particles dispersed in a fluid, each of the particles including a functional component and a chemically reactive ferromagnetic component with a characteristic of losing a ferromagnetism thereof by a chemical reaction proceeding with time, the functional ferromagnetic particles losing the ferromagnetism by the chemical reaction of the ferromagnetic component with time. The self-metabolic functional material has a desired function and gradually loses its function by being used. The degradation or loss of the function of the material can be detected by degradation or loss of ferromagnetism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial
    Inventor: Yoshio Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 5538692
    Abstract: An ionizing type air cleaner having ionizing needle(s) and a collector element. The collector element is made of either many conducting elements with isolating resistors or a single high resistivity element in order to prevent electric shock when touched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Constantinos J. Joannou
  • Patent number: 5527459
    Abstract: A microbe propagation preventing apparatus is provided to prevent an ion from decreasing at a time of decomposing ozone generated by gaseous discharge or ionization so as to sufficiently generate air ion, and to sufficiently prevent propagation of microbes adhering to an object by using the air ion without secondary pollution. Further, in the apparatus, a gas containing the ion is supplied into water so as to prevent the microbe propagation in the water. In the apparatus, an ozone decomposing chamber is mounted to be electrically insulated from an air duct. An electrode to remove a positive ion is mounted to obtain only a negative ion, and extend a lifetime of the obtained ion. An ion supplying portion is mounted to supply an ionized gas into a space housing the object in which microbes can be propagated, and return the ionized gas to an ionization chamber. Further, a diffusing apparatus is provided to transform the ionic gas into bubbles so as to feed the bubbles into the water in the water reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Ikeda, Yasuhiro Tanimura, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Masaaki Tanaka, Hiroshige Konishi, Toshie Hiraoka, Shinji Nishio, Hiroto Kawahira
  • Patent number: 5523057
    Abstract: The instant invention is a filtration system for use in residential and commercial buildings. The filtration apparatus consists of a galvanized steel for support of a tactified filter followed by a 254 nm ultraviolet light with the sterilized air then passed through an activated carbon filter for removal of chemical vapors. The filtration apparatus works in conjunction with a remotely located power supply pack which includes an air pressure activator so as to allow operation of the ultraviolet lights only when air movement is detected in a ventilation system. Installation of the device is compact, allowing placement in residential locations in conventional heater and air conditioning systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Matt Mazzilli
  • Patent number: 5505904
    Abstract: An air disinfection method and unit are disclosed in which air is passed through a housing from an air inlet to an air outlet opening at a predetermined air flow rate under substantially uniform cross-sectional air flow conditions across closely spaced UV-C irradiation lamps located at a distance of between 2 to 4 inches O. C. with the lamps being positioned directly in the air stream so that all air flows passed the bulbs at a distance of not more than 2-3 inches. The bulbs produce UV-C irradiation at a wave length of about 254 nm and have an intensity of about 142 .mu.W/cm.sup.2. The housing has a predetermined volume selected such that airborne bacteria remain in the enclosure for a residence time of between 0.5 and 1.5 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: JJI Lighting Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Haidinger, Heinz K. Filzer, Tobias A. Brown
  • Patent number: 5492557
    Abstract: The filter device for air purification has an electrification grid supplied with a high voltage of negative polarity and arranged on a plane transverse to an air flow for negatively charging particles present in the air. A partition is arranged at an angle in front of the electrification grid so as to convey the stream of air toward a narrower region. A negatively charged deflector plate and a positively charged collector plate, which face one another at a short distance, delimit a respective narrower region for respectively repelling and attracting the negatively charged particles. A germicidal lamp is arranged at an opening of the deflector plate and illuminates the collector plate substantially along its entire length in a direction which is transverse to the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Salvatore Vanella
  • Patent number: 5484570
    Abstract: A microbe propagation preventing apparatus and a microbe propagation preventing method are provided to prevent anion from decreasing at a time of decomposing ozone generated by gaseous discharge or ionization so as to sufficiently generate air ion, and to sufficiently prevent propagation of microbes adhering to an object by using the air ion without secondary pollution. Further, in the apparatus and the method, a gas containing the ion is supplied into water so as to prevent the microbe propagation in the water. In the apparatus, an ozone decomposing chamber is mounted to be electrically insulated from an air duct. An electrode to remove a positive ion is mounted to obtain only a negative ion, and extend a lifetime of the obtained ion. An ion supplying portion is mounted to supply an ionized gas into a space housing the object in which microbes can be propagated, and return the ionized gas to an ionization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Ikeda, Yasuhiro Tanimura, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Masaaki Tanaka, Hiroshige Konishi, Toshie Hiraoka, Shinji Nishio, Hiroto Kawahira
  • Patent number: 5482684
    Abstract: A system for testing sterilization processes is provided by a vessel having a chamber, a plasma generator adapted to generate a plasma upstream of the chamber, a monitor associated with the chamber, and a biological or chemical indicator disposable within the chamber. The plasma generator generates upstream plasma that contains a plurality of atomic and/or molecular species, and the monitor is capable of determining a concentration of selected species in the plasma when flowing through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Abtox, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Martens, Ross A. Caputo
  • Patent number: 5468454
    Abstract: A multi-function apparatus for use in a refrigerator generates a plurality of positive or negative D.C. voltages to a pointed electrode structure and a strip shaped electrode structure in order to generate corona discharge, thereby sterilizing/deodorizing air in the refrigerator's compartments, and furthermore a separate positive or negative voltage is applied to an ionizing electrode to generate positive or negative ions in the air, thus preserving the freshness of stored foodstuffs for an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun T. Kim
  • Patent number: 5453049
    Abstract: Air purification or filtration unit having a triangular housing, with the open front face being the hypotenuse of the triangle. The unit is particularly adaptable for use with conventional sized high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA filters and low penetration air, or ULPA filters, to create a highly filtered clean air environment. The unit includes a circulating fan within the housing to draw air through the filters and housing and to exhaust the air through the top housing wall for recirculation, and can also be ducted to exhaust filtered air from the environment, either in whole or in part. A germicidal ultra violet light may be placed within the housing for additional air purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Isolate, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard W. Tillman, Jr., Van B. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5445798
    Abstract: A microbe propagation preventing apparatus and a microbe propagation preventing method are provided to prevent an ion from decreasing at a time of decomposing ozone generated by gaseous discharge or ionization so as to sufficiently generate air ion, and to sufficiently prevent propagation of microbes adhering to an object by using the air ion without secondary pollution. Further, in the apparatus and the method, a gas containing the ion is supplied into water so as to prevent the microbe propagation in the water. In the apparatus, an ozone decomposing chamber is mounted to be electrically insulated from an air duct. An electrode to remove a positive ion is mounted to obtain only a negative ion, and extend a lifetime of the obtained ion. An ion supplying portion is mounted to supply an ionized gas into a space housing the object in which microbes can be propagated, and return the ionized gas to an ionization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Ikeda, Yasuhiro Tanimura, Naoki Nakatsugawa, Masaaki Tanaka, Hiroshige Konishi, Toshie Hiraoka, Shinji Nishio, Hiroto Kawahira
  • Patent number: 5433923
    Abstract: A room humidifier and air purifier withdraws air from ambient room atmosphere into a region having a living plant with its roots in a growing media of highly adsorbent activated carbon and zeolite; passing air preferably downward through such media and back into the air over hot light bulbs which destroy undesirable airborne mold spores. The light bulbs are also used to supply sufficient light for plant growth and aesthetics through indirect lighting on the plant leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventors: Billy C. Wolverton, John D. Wolverton
  • Patent number: 5424041
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-metabolic functional material comprising a functional ferromagnetic particles dispersed in a fluid, each of the particles comprising a functional component and a chemically reactive ferromagnetic component with a characteristic of losing a ferromagnetism thereof by a chemical reaction proceeding with time, the functional ferromagnetic particles losing the ferromagnetism by the chemical reaction of the ferromagnetic component with time. The self-metabolic functional material has a desired function and gradually loses its function by being used. The degradation or loss of the function of the material can be detected by degradation or loss of ferromagnetism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 5399319
    Abstract: A portable, convertible apparatus for creating either a negative pressure or a positive pressure in and filtering the air in a room, the apparatus comprising a housing having upper and lower ends. The housing defines an air flow path between the upper and lower ends and contains, within the air flow path, a HEPA filter and a fan. A dome-shaped inlet grille is mounted on the upper end of the housing, and a cylindrical outlet grille is mounted on the lower end of the housing. The apparatus also includes an annular cover for the outlet grille, which cover is adapted to communicate with the exterior of the room, and a dome-shaped cover for the inlet grille, which cover is adapted to communicate with the exterior of the room. The apparatus creates a negative pressure in the room when the annular cover is placed over the outlet grille and the dome-shaped cover is removed, and creates a positive pressure in the room when the annular cover is removed and the dome-shaped cover is placed over the inlet grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Vector Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Schoenberger, Robert M. Reavis
  • Patent number: 5382410
    Abstract: The controlled generation of vapors and/or aerosols from liquids is accomplished by applying a regulated, DC voltage to a wicklike, porous emitter or generator assembly which is supplied with the desired liquid to be vaporized. An electrostatic charge is applied to the liquid by means of an electrode positioned in contact with the wick assembly and connected to the DC power supply. The wick assembly includes a porous, capillary material, such as braided fibers, through which the liquid passes to exposed, vapor-emitting fiber tips.The environment in a room, enclosed spaced of any kind, or a building may be aromatically conditioned and/or have its quality modified and enhanced by using a selected liquid conditioning substance such as an aromatic oil, deodorant, disinfectant, fumigant, fungicide, insecticide, or bactericide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: In-Vironmental Integrity, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Peltier
  • Patent number: 5380503
    Abstract: A stocker for accommodating, storing or transporting articles in clean, contamination-free conditions for either a long time or temporarily. The stocker has a particle collector provided in a part thereof. The particle collector includes an irradiation source such as ultraviolet light source, and a photoelectron emitting material that emits photoelectrons on irradiation with irradiation energy from the irradiation source. The particle collector further includes an electric field forming electrode, and a charged particle collecting material. The space where the particle collector is provided is preferably partitioned from the other space of the stocker by an irradiation energy screening material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Ebara Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Fujii, Hidetomo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5334347
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are found in an electric discharge device comprising an envelope containing an electrode, a vaporizable material, and means for regulating the internal thermal condition so as to increase radiation output while improving the lifetime of the device. Further according to the invention, an electric discharge device is adapted to provide air sterilization in a vehicle's air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Brad C. Hollander
  • Patent number: 5332550
    Abstract: An aerosol sampler comprises at least one U-tube whose ends are fixed to a support, and through which the aerosol is caused to flow. Means are provided to set the tube vibrating, and to measure its resonant frequency. The bend of the U-tube acts as an impactor so aerosol particles larger than a cut-off size are trapped, causing a change in the measured frequency. A sampler may include a number of such U-tubes in series, with steadily decreasing cut-off sizes, so the aerosol particulate size distribution can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
    Inventor: David R. Booker
  • Patent number: 5330722
    Abstract: A germicidal air purifier for trapping and destroying airborne microorganisms is disclosed. The air purifier includes an ultraviolet radiation source and a juxtaposed filter medium. A one of the ultraviolet radiation source and the filter medium is fixed and the other is displaceable so that at least an upstream side of the filter medium is systematically exposed to germicidal levels of radiation. In a first preferred embodiment, a fixed ultraviolet lamp irradiates a cylindrical air filter which is rotated on its longitudinal axis in close proximity to the lamp so that the upstream side of the filter is systematically irradiated. In a second preferred embodiment, a radiant lamp fixture is moved reciprocally across an upstream side of a planar filter to systematically irradiate the filter. In a third preferred embodiment, a radiant lamp fixture is rotated about an axis which is orthogonal to its longitudinal midpoint so that a circular area of a planar filter is irradiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: William E. Pick
    Inventors: William E. Pick, Kerby F. Fannin
  • Patent number: 5250258
    Abstract: An air treatment apparatus includes a chamber designed to provide infrared radiation at a predetermined wavelength. Atmospheric air is passed through the chamber such that carbon dioxide molecules in the chamber achieve a higher energy state. Atmospheric air containing the higher energy state carbon dioxide molecules is discharged from the apparatus into the atmosphere. The atmospheric air containing higher energy or activated carbon dioxide may be used in a given space to overcome lethargic conditions produced by prior art air treatment devices such as air conditioners. The atmospheric air may be filtered prior to entering and after discharging from the treatment chamber for further air treatment. Heat may also be provided in the chamber to oxidize impurities in the air for further purification and air treatment. A method is provided whereby atmospheric air passes through the infrared radiating chamber to activate carbon dioxide molecules therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Byeung-ok Oh
  • Patent number: 5230220
    Abstract: A sterilizing/deodorizing apparatus for a refrigerator comprises an air intake section for introducing air thereinto, a sterilizing/deodorizing section including a discharge lamp to remove floating bacteria, odors, and the like contained in the air which passes through the intake section, a discharge section for discharging purified air. The apparatus is operated automatically by a temperature sensor or by an odor detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung C. Kang, Kyung M. Kim
  • Patent number: 5225167
    Abstract: A room air sterilizer mounts on the wall of the room and traps airborne particulate in a HEPA filter. An ultraviolet germicidal lamp destroys any biocontamination on the trapped particulates. The sterilizer has an elongated vertical housing with a return air grille near or at its lower end and a HEPA filter assembly disposed at an outflow port at its upper end. The HEPA filter is preferably a quarter cylinder and the sterilizer lamp is situated to expose the inner or intake side of the filter to the sterilizing ultraviolet radiation. A prefilter can be situated ahead of the blowers for the sterilizer, and can have an associated ultraviolet sterilizer lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Clestra Cleanroom Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 5217696
    Abstract: A lamp structure includes a base, with the base including an apertured periphery in communication with a support conduit chimney, with the support conduit chimney directed into a plant container, with the plant container further including a plurality of pneumatic feed conduits in pneumatic communication with the conduit chimney, and each feed conduit includes a matrix of apertures directed coextensively therethrough to direct air through a quantity of plant soil containing the pneumatic feed conduits for purification of the air as the air is by convection directed through the soil by an overlying lamp positioned within a reflective housing, with the reflective housing including a chimney coaxially aligned relative to the underlying plant container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventors: Billy C. Wolverton, John D. Wolverton
  • Patent number: 5205990
    Abstract: An oxygen generator having a honeycomb body made of oxygen ion conducting material separates oxygen from a first gas, such as air. The honeycomb body has a plurality of generally parallel first and second channels coated with a layer of porous metal conductor which serve as electrodes. The first and second channels are arranged in alternating rows across the face of the honeycomb and the respective electrodes therein are oppositely charged by connection to a voltage source. Oxygen ions from a first gas in the first channels are caused to tranit across the channel walls to the second channels under an applied voltage. Oxygen generated in the second channels may be collected in a manifold through a set of third channels which intersect the sealed second channels, and used in applications such as home breathing apparatus'. Additional features are included in the honeycomb body and in the design of manifolds to facilitate the supply of a first gas and collection of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: William N. Lawless
  • Patent number: 5196171
    Abstract: The controlled generation of vapors and/or aerosols from liquids is accomplished by applying a regulated, DC voltage to a wick-like, porous emitter or generator assembly which is supplied with the desired liquid to be vaporized. An electrostatic charge is applied to the liquid by means of an electrode positioned in contact with the wick assembly and connected to the DC power supply. The wick assembly includes a porous, capillary material, such as braided fibers, through which the liquid passes to exposed, vapor-emitting fiber tips.The environment in a room, or enclosed space of any kind, may be aromatically conditioned and/or have its quality modified and enhanced by using a selected liquid conditioning substance such as an aromatic oil, deodorant, disinfectant, fumigant, fungicide, insecticide, or bactericide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: In-Vironmental Integrity, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Peltier
  • Patent number: 5185015
    Abstract: Filter apparatus for removing contaminants from air includes a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and a fan for maintaining a flow of air through the housing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. A first filter element removes particles greater than a predetermined size from air entering the housing by way of the inlet opening, and a second filter element removes particles of selected chemical species from air that has passed through the first filter element in the direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The second filter element defines a chamber that is in open communication with the outlet opening, and the chamber constitutes a third filter element in which air is irradiated with ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Bruce R. Searle
  • Patent number: 5173268
    Abstract: Ozone generating apparatus designed for installation into airflow ducts or other air handling structures of housing units or other buildings includes a porous gridwork, mesh, or other minimal airflow obstruction support with an ozone generating plate positioned to release ozone into passing air. A second housing attached adjacent to the first housing contains electrical circuits for developing an electrical potential applied across the ozone generating plates positioned in the first housing. The second housing has a control surface that includes a control mechanism for controlling the electrical circuits. The second housing also accommodates a first switch for activating and deactivating the electrical circuits that generate an electrical potential across the ozone generating plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: William C. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5154892
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for achieving and maintaining an inert atmosphere as oxygen-deficient as possible in a treatment chamber, having a reaction zone, particularly an irradiation chamber, traversed by a length of material, wherein the length of material is supplied to the chamber through an inlet channel and conducted from the chamber through an outlet channel. A circulating inert gas stream, which detaches the entrained gas boundary layer held by the material, is moved countercurrently to the length of material in the inlet channel and is supplemented in a controlled manner with fresh inert gas in such amount that a given maximum oxygen concentration is not exceeded in the reaction zone and the flow rate of the inert gas stream is controlled, so that the pressure before the exit gap of the outlet channel is the same or slightly higher than the surrounding pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Th. Goldschmidt AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Luhmann, Theodor Selbach, Jurgen Jachmann
  • Patent number: 5136461
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing and deodorizing rooms comprises a circuit part and an ionization part. High voltage of up to 3 kV necessary for forming corona discharges is produced in the circuit part. The ionization part comprises electrodes, which are arranged on both sides of an insulator plate. An electron emission is produced on the second in operation, which leads to negative oxygen ions, which destroy bacteria and spores and remove odors from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Max Zellweger